Aquatic Scientist V, Environmental and Conservation Team

Work Schedule

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Water Availability Division.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As an Aquatic Scientist in TCEQ’s Office of Water, you will join the Environmental and Conservation Team in the Water Availability Division’s Water Rights Technical Review Section. You will work with other experienced staff from the Section’s Hydrology and Modeling Team and from the Water Rights Permitting and Data Section to process highly complex water right permit applications.

See details about what we do

See details about surface water rights and water rights permitting

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

As an Aquatic Scientist V, you will be responsible for completing advanced reviews of applications for Texas water rights, including whether there are impacts on the environment within TCEQ’s jurisdiction over water rights. You can be called upon to provide advanced level support in public meetings, alternate dispute resolutions, and Commission agenda meetings and serve as an expert witness in contested case hearings.

This position requires the ability to communicate technical or regulatory information to applicants, agency staff, water rights stakeholders, and the public.

Specifically, you will:

• Review complex water rights applications to evaluate whether the application affects the environment, including but not limited to, water quality, aquatic species, and habitats according to the state statutes, rules, and policies governing the water rights program.

• Communicate with agency staff, applicants, or applicant representatives regarding inquiries related to complex water rights applications, processes, and related statutes and rules.

• Develop information to support responses to legislative or other public or internal inquiries.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Texas statutes, rules, and policies for surface water rights.

• Experience with the applicability of Texas Surface Water Quality Standards to the water rights program.

• Experience working with surface-water hydrologic data.

• Experience with Texas aquatic ecology and aquatic species.

• Experience implementing the adopted environmental flow standards for surface water rights.

• Advanced business or technical writing skills.

• Experience making presentations and communicating with the public.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a natural science such as biology, zoology, wildlife/fisheries science, toxicology, environmental science, or a closely related field. These degrees must include nine semester hours in statistics, limnology, ecology, hydrology, aquatic ecology, ichthyology, benthic ecology, wildlife biology, invertebrate biology, entomology, toxicology, phycology, marine science, aquatic chemistry, aquatic pollution, or aquatic microbiology, plus seven years of full-time experience in aquatic science work related to the examples of work performed.

OR

A bachelor's degree plus nine years of full-time experience in environmental activities related to the examples of work performed.

OR

A graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biology, zoology, wildlife/fisheries science, toxicology, environmental science, or closely related field. This degree must include 18 semester hours in statistics, limnology, ecology, hydrology, aquatic ecology, ichthyology, benthic ecology, wildlife biology, invertebrate biology, entomology, toxicology, phycology, marine science, aquatic chemistry, aquatic pollution, or aquatic microbiology plus six years of full-time experience related to the examples of work performed.

OR

Experience within the TCEQ as an Aquatic Scientist IV.

Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Work Schedule

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Water Availability Division.

BENEFITS

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans

• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA

• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes

• Professional development opportunities

• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state

• Wellness Program and Activities

• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ

• Work-Life Balance

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need any special accommodations during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at (512) 239-0102.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under ‘Occupational Category’ for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.